A good personal essay should be centred around a change or experience of the self rather than a specific event like getting lost or losing a loved one. The essays should include reflection and implicit emotion. Implicit meaning that the emotions are implied through other factors than emotion words. The essay should include a very mature understanding of the experience or evolution of the self and what it has done to shape you or reflect on what it may have stopped you from growing into. The personal reflection of the self and mature emotional understanding is key to a good reflective, personal essay